Buckle up, Kansas teens: Officers to begin enforcing seat belt law

"Clicking it" is about to get that much more imperative tomorrow for teens who want to avoid getting stuck with a ticket.

Jon Pic

"Clicking it" is about to get that much more imperative tomorrow for teens who want to avoid getting stuck with a ticket.

Effective July 1, 2007, Kansas' safety belt use law (K.S.A. 8-2503) was changed to require all drivers and passengers ages 14 through 17 to buckle up at all times regardless of where seated in a vehicle in motion — which means teen drivers and passengers will be equally under scrutiny.

From July 1 thru Dec. 31, 2007, law enforcement officers only issued warnings for violations.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, however, officers may write citations for these violations.
The law makes seat belt usage a primary offense, which means a driver may be pulled over and each violator cited solely for the seatbelt violation. The fine is $60, including court costs.

El Dorado Police Department Chief Tom Boren said this law will have an impact on young drivers, especially around high-traffic areas like the high school. He said he hopes this law will make motorists aware of the importance of seat belt usage.

"(This law will serve) naturally, to impact the fact that, of fatal accidents, the majority are youth under the age of 21," Boren said. "It's a safety issue nation-wide."

Boren said that in the U.S., an accident claims the life of someone under 21 every 15 minutes.

"Seat belts save lives. It's that simple," said Patrol Superintendent Colonel William R. Seck. "Highway Patrol troopers are dedicated to saving lives through enforcement and education. Recent amendments to our seatbelt law demonstrate the State's commitment to protecting the lives of our teens."

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for people from 15 to 18 years of age. Changes in the seat belt law were designed to protect drivers, in particular young, inexperienced drivers. And with the likelihood of teen drivers being involved in a crash, it is particularly important for this age group to buckle up.

"It takes five seconds or less to buckle your seat belt, which could make the difference of a lifetime," KDOT Secretary Deb Miller said. "Positive habits instilled in us as children follow us through our teen years and into adulthood.

"Adults should lead children by example by buckling up every trip, every time they ride in a vehicle and by asking other adults to do the same."